No-Vote Action on TPP a “Significant Victory” for Family Farmers and Ranchers, NFU Says

WASHINGTON (November 16, 2016) – A staunch opponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, National Farmers Union (NFU) commended Congress for agreeing to forgo a last minute vote and reexamine the deeply flawed trade agreement. NFU President Roger Johnson released the following statement in response:

“We’ve been hearing for months the discontent family farmers and ranchers and American workers have with TPP, and I’m pleased that their concerns have been heard. Sending TPP back to the drawing board is recognition that past trade agreement frameworks are not working for our nation’s family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and consumers.

“This trade agreement would have done very little, if anything, to lessen the impact of our vast trade deficit, provide actionable oversight of unfair market practices such as currency manipulation, or protect American jobs. Congress can now focus on ensuring our trade negotiators promote fair and competitive trade that benefits U.S. family farmers and ranchers and manufacturers who rely on access to competitive markets around the world.

“We look forward to working with the new administration and the next Congress to promote fair trade solutions that work for American agriculture and the U.S. economy.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.